CLCA Endorses Grasscycling Concept

Environmentally and economically, grasscycling is a sound practice we feel the public needs to be made more aware of. One thing we want to clear up immediately is how grasscycling affects the lawn's appearance. Shavings are neglible. Golf courses, for example, have been grasscycling for years.

The California Landscape Contractors Association has endorsed the concept of grasscycling, which is the natural recycling of grass by leaving clippings on the lawn while mowing. "CLCA recommends grasscycling to clients and the public to help conserve landfill capacity and promote a greener, healthier lawn," said Environmental Committee chair Francisco Peccorini..

Lawn debris accounts for about 20 percent of all material deposited in landfills, and grass clippings make up half of that." With the state's landfills near capacity, the California Integrated Waste Management Act (AB 939) was passed in 1989.

"Grasscycling is a simple and effective way to help conserve landfill capacity," according to Peccorini. "Plus, healthy turfgrasses cool and clean our environment." "While an impetus for recycling grass clippings is saving the environment, communities adopting a grasscycling program are saving money," said Peccorini. "When you grasscycle, you avoid collecting, bagging, and disposing of clippings."

"There are times when grasscycling is difficult because of rapid grass growth or wet weather," Peccorini continues "Switching to a mulching mower allows you to mow under almost all conditions. You can hardly tell the diffference between mulching and bagging."

"Then there are times when you can't or shouldn't leave clippings on the ground. Clippings can be collected and either be used as mulch around trees, or as compost. The compost can be in an area of the client's property, at the contractor's site, or at a municipal composting facility."

"Grasscycling is for everyone. And it can be practiced on any healthy lawn as long as proper turf management guidelines are followed. It makes good common sense, is beneficial to the environment and saves time and money."